English:
This week, we explored the history of the English language, tracing its roots back to Ancient Greek and Latin. Students learned how the Roman expansion into Britain brought Latin influences into English and how understanding Greek and Latin roots can help us decode word meanings today. We also examined the evolution of Old English, shaped by Frisian, Anglo-Saxon, and Norse languages through a series of settlements and invasions after the Romans left the British Isles. Students enjoyed looking at examples of Old English in illuminated manuscripts, chronicles, and early literature such as Beowulf.
History:
We continued our work on judgments vs. objectivity, discussing how language shapes our understanding of historical events and media. This led us into a deeper analysis of propaganda, focusing on how political cartoons and news reports have been used to influence public opinion and create a sense of “us vs. them.” Students examined propaganda techniques such as name-calling, bandwagon appeals, emotional language, and fear tactics.
Science:
This week, we continued our exploration of the digestive system, focusing on how enzymes work. Students learned that enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body. We examined specific enzymes like amylase (which breaks down starch into sugars), protease (which breaks down proteins into amino acids), and lipase (which breaks down fats into fatty acids and glycerol). We also looked at the process of absorption in the small intestine, especially how villi increase the surface area to absorb nutrients efficiently into the bloodstream. As a creative task, students will design a storyboard in Canva to show how enzymes contribute to digestion and will present their work in class next week.
PSHE:
Our lessons this week focused on healthy diets, with an emphasis on the importance of both macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Students explored how different foods are broken down in the body and connected this learning to the role of nutrients in maintaining energy, growth, and overall health. We discussed the concept of balanced nutrition and what it means to make informed food choices.
Geography:
In Geography, we focused on the different types of weathering, including physical weathering (like freeze-thaw and thermal expansion), chemical weathering (such as the effects of acid rain), and biological weathering (caused by plant roots, animals, and microbes). Students learned how these processes break down rocks and prepare them for erosion, which involves the movement of rock and soil by wind, water, and ice. Next week, we’ll continue by exploring how erosion shapes riverbanks and coastlines, and what this means for both natural landscapes and human activity.
It’s been a low-energy week for many of us, so let this be your reminder to rest well, eat a healthy, balanced diet (yes, we’re practicing what we preach in PSHE!), and take care of yourselves. The good news? We’re only ten weeks away from summer break—we’ve got this! Let’s keep showing up, supporting one another, and finishing strong.
Mrs. Leah
